Stoke can stifle beleaguered Man Utd boss Van Gaal on Boxing Day

<h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Stoke City v Manchester United</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"></span></span></div> <ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; list-style-type: none; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Premier League</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Saturday, December 26th</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Kick-off: 12:45 GMT</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Britannia Stadium, Stoke</li> <li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Live on Sky Sports 1</li> </span></span></ul> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"></span></span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Van Gaal’s Christmas message to stir spirit in Boxing Day battle?</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is not a lot of Christmas cheer surrounding Old Trafford at the moment, but a trip to the Britannia Stadium may not be quite the type of break to buoy Manchester United, who sit uncomfortably outside the <span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box;">Premier League top four</span></span> on goal difference.</span></span></div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; line-height: 24.5455px;"></span></span><br /> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stoke away is just one of those festive fixtures no manager wants, and Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal is certainly under the microscope at the moment, with a win on the road priced at 13/10 by Coral. Though, that looks a little long considering United have a goal difference of just eight and are without victory in six outings across all competitions.</span></div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stats look damning but, according to reports, Van Gaal gave a Christmas speech intended to rally his Red Devils troops, and fans will be hoping this battle cry can make a difference at the Britannia.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Customers may still fancy Stoke at 11/5 for a home win, and to potentially deliver the final blow for Dutchman Van Gaal’s stay in the Man Utd dugout. However, the Potters are without a win in two themselves and split the spoils last time United came to town, so <span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">a draw at the same price of 11/5</span></span> looks more likely to come off.</span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bojan’s boys to cause havoc</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stoke have had struggles in front of goal themselves, and will be keen to get on the scoresheet against their Red Devils rivals at an ideal moment.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trio of former Barcelona schemer Bojan Krkic and ex-Inter Milan pair Marko Arnautovic and Xherdan Shaqiri are most lauded for modernising the Potters’ attacking play, and may smell blood against a Man Utd backline which has recently come undone against promoted Premier League sides Bournemouth and Norwich City.</span></div> </div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mercurial Austrian talent Arnautovic memorably bagged a brace to sink Manchester City recently, and is tasty at <span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">2/1 to inflict damage on the Red Devils</span></span> at any time. While, Bojan’s brilliance sees him priced at a fabulous <span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">3/1 in a Coral match special (max stake £20)</span></span> to also ripple the net anytime for the second match in a row.</span></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Man Utd’s Golden Boy Martial due a goal</span></h2> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Main United forward threat Anthony Martial is also up for grabs in a match special, with the fantastic Frenchman 4/1 to score and Man United to win, also with a maximum stake of £20.</span></div> </div> <div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Should customers fancy the France international to bag, but the Red Devils not to take all three points, menacing Martial, who was recently crowned Europe’s Golden Boy by journalists, is similarly great value at <span style="color: #004191;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">11/2 to nab the opener</span></span>.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-font-feature-settings: 'liga' 1, 'dlig' 1; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24.5455px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alternatively, skipper Wayne Rooney is 6/4 to strike anytime, with Dutch winger Memphis Depay the same price, though Martial, who hit a consolation against the Canaries, looks most enticing.</span></div> </div> <div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuP1uIHX8WlUG-xHx85Agnp52-EiUIXwAuEuaVw1F0Fym6OQteIN0KPDzwzCHC9jPERNSWCIG8PTl692DuvBvahQFw6HACA2DzIGhCkwPBgJrwRWbTvK3u1tZv30ZTpxEvkyMe2mG1Zg/s1600/85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuP1uIHX8WlUG-xHx85Agnp52-EiUIXwAuEuaVw1F0Fym6OQteIN0KPDzwzCHC9jPERNSWCIG8PTl692DuvBvahQFw6HACA2DzIGhCkwPBgJrwRWbTvK3u1tZv30ZTpxEvkyMe2mG1Zg/s400/85.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div>

Stoke can stifle beleaguered Man Utd boss Van Gaal on Boxing Day

Stoke City v Manchester United Premier League Saturday, December 26th Kick-off: 12:45 GMT Britannia Stadium, Stoke Live on Sky Spor...

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Next FIFA President: Eight-year ban emphatically ends Platini's bid

<div id="yui_3_1_1_1_145086197067553" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5em; text-align: justify;"> <span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Gianni Infantino has been left flying the flag for UEFA in the Next FIFA President betting after UEFA president Michel Platini was wiped out of contention once and for all by an eight-year ban from all football-related activities, a punishment shared by outgoing FIFA chief Sepp Blatter.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5em; text-align: justify;"> <span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The two most powerful men in football were investigated by the governing body's ethics committee over a <span style="border: 0px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">£1.3 million payment</span> made by Blatter to Platini in 2011, which they explain as being delayed remuneration for work conducted by the latter as the former's technical adviser between 1998 and 2002.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5em; text-align: justify;"> <span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The committee concluded that it was a "disloyal payment" which had no legal basis in the original agreement that the pair struck at the start of their since-severely-fractured working relationship. Though it was not proven to be a bribe, it was determined that a "conflict of interest" had occurred.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5em; text-align: justify;"> <span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Both men have protested their innocence and aired their intention to appeal. Blatter vowed to "fight for me and for FIFA". Platini was even fiercer, describing the procedure as "a pure masquerade". He said: "It has been rigged to tarnish my name by bodies I know well and who for me are bereft of all credibility or legitimacy."</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5em; text-align: justify;"> <span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">However, neither will be cleared in time to significantly influence the upcoming election on February 26, the result of which is that Prince Ali Al-Hussein - who Platini backed in the previous ballot only to antagonise the Jordanian with his plan to stand himself - <span style="border: 0px; color: #1e1e1e; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s;">is now evens favourite on the Betfair Sportsbook</span></span>.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5em; text-align: justify;"> <span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #1e1e1e; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s;">Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman is perceived to be his main competitor at 2/1, but Infantino is an intriguing candidate at 5/1</span></span>.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5em; text-align: justify;"> <span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Swiss UEFA general secretary is best known as the guy who oversees the Champions League draws, yet he has been very loyal to Platini throughout this process, vowing to step aside if the Frenchman was absolved.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5em; text-align: justify;"> <span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">As a consequence, he should now receive the backing of his boss and will potentially also inherit the support of the former Ballon d'Or winner's allies, for instance the English Football Association.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.5em; text-align: justify;"> <span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">If you anticipate an even bigger upset, <span style="border: 0px; color: #1e1e1e; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">South Africa's Tokyo Sexwale is a 12/1 shot and the other European hopeful Jerome Champagne is available at odds of 16/1</span></span>.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkTIVjOL0RnDkSgOpAYGpgBmLoeFKCR-XuUXM6RcYCe7SyXDcPwntLZMwfn1GjCC48bFnwk1GHwNKJKJ16cSeKPByQVNwrNaDBcHZtPcHZzpA6BswpG3L-Uqz-Dw1R5rUCQ4VL-wgJg/s1600/85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkTIVjOL0RnDkSgOpAYGpgBmLoeFKCR-XuUXM6RcYCe7SyXDcPwntLZMwfn1GjCC48bFnwk1GHwNKJKJ16cSeKPByQVNwrNaDBcHZtPcHZzpA6BswpG3L-Uqz-Dw1R5rUCQ4VL-wgJg/s400/85.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div> <span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div>

Next FIFA President: Eight-year ban emphatically ends Platini's bid

Gianni Infantino has been left flying the flag for UEFA in the Next FIFA President betting after UEFA president Michel Platini was wiped ou...

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Football Bet of the Day: Defences to play fast and Mous tonight

<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Mouscron-Peruwelz v Sporting Charleroi</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Tuesday December 22, 19:30</span></span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It proved to be a delightful night. I went to see the new Star Wars film (ridiculously amazing, by the way), and when I emerged, I discovered that <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">our boys Casertana</span></span> had bashed Messina 4-1. The Force is strong with us at the moment, so let's hope that continues.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're making the short hop across to Belgium, and taking in a top-flight game between Mouscron-Peruwelz and Sporting Charleroi. Belgium sometimes gets a bad rep for being a bit dull, but these two sides appear to be trying to change that.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mouscron-Peruwelz are a lowly 14th in the 16-team standings, but outside the top five only Mechelen have a better scoring record. Mouscron-Peruwelz have banged in <span style="font-weight: 600;">28 goals</span> in 19 games, but their problem is at the back, as they have leaked 30 goals.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of this means Mouscron-Peruwelz are a rather <span style="font-weight: 600;">entertaining</span> watch. 12 of their 19 Belgian Pro League games have featured at least three goals, including six of their last seven home games.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10th-placed Sporting Charleroi are only three points better off than tonight's opponents, and after a cautious start to the campaign, Felice Mazzu's men have started opening up in games. Seven of the Zebras' last ten league games have featured three goals or more, including each of the last five.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When these two sides last met back in July, Charleroi won 2-1, and <span style="font-weight: 600;">I'm expecting goals</span> again tonight.</span></div> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bet</span><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; outline: none; transition: color 0.2s initial initial;">Back Over 2.5 Goals at</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; outline: none; transition: color 0.2s;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;"> </span></span><span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="1" oldtitle="1/1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffb80c; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; outline: none; padding: 3px 2px 1px; transition: color 0.2s initial initial;" title="">2.02</span></span></span></div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1jHvg3ZXLjCMWnbMkPC2mM6WS73oKlyx54pjOJFBi0KAFIgNIjhCMdyEvLZXJ8fpGGdC9b82Tmat0OMdPjuMpkrAAOrJZPjuTLmFYtV8wFxGg5IaGwZPPZn0A62YUvzJRyqPPuAlZw/s1600/84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1jHvg3ZXLjCMWnbMkPC2mM6WS73oKlyx54pjOJFBi0KAFIgNIjhCMdyEvLZXJ8fpGGdC9b82Tmat0OMdPjuMpkrAAOrJZPjuTLmFYtV8wFxGg5IaGwZPPZn0A62YUvzJRyqPPuAlZw/s400/84.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div>

Football Bet of the Day: Defences to play fast and Mous tonight

Mouscron-Peruwelz v Sporting Charleroi Tuesday December 22, 19:30 It proved to be a delightful night. I went to see the new Star Wars fil...

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Premier League on Betfair: Arsenal title favourites after win over City

<div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_1_1_1_145077702535052" style="font-weight: 600;">Arsenal</span> are the new favourites to win the Premier League title after they defeated Manchester City 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night.<br /><br />The Gunners - who have been matched at a high of <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="0" oldtitle="8/1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffb80c; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">9.00</span></span> in the <span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600;">Premier League Winner</span></span>market - can now be matched at just <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="1" oldtitle="11/10" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffb80c; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.14</span></span> after goals from <span style="font-weight: 600;">Theo Walcott</span> and <span style="font-weight: 600;">Olivier Giroud</span>sealed the win over their nearest market rivals.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Yaya Toure</span> scored a late consolation goal for The Citizens.<br /><br />The victory moved Arsene Wenger's men to within two points of surprise leaders Leicester City, but perhaps more significantly, opened up a four-point gap to <span style="font-weight: 600;">Man City</span> in third.<br /><br />Manuel Pellegrini's men - who after winning their first five league games this term were matched at just <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="2" oldtitle="4/11" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffb80c; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.38</span></span> to win the title - can now be backed at <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="3" oldtitle="11/5" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffb80c; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">3.20</span></span> to regain the crown they won in 2013/14.<br /><br />Giroud's goal took his tally to the season to 10 in the Premier League, five behind Jamie Vardy, and the Frenchman is now available to back at <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="4" oldtitle="10/1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffb80c; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">11.00</span></span> to be the season's <span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600;">Top Goalscorer</span></span>.<br /><br />Next up in the league for Arsenal is a trip to out-of-form Southampton on <span style="font-weight: 600;">Boxing Day</span>, before home games against Bournemouth and Newcastle see Wenger's men into the New Year.<br /><br />Man City meanwhile face a trip to <span style="font-weight: 600;">Leicester</span> on Saturday, a game they can't afford to lose to their now title rivals.<br /><br />You can read match previews of every single game in England's top flight over the festive season by visiting our <span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600;">dedicated Premier League section</span></span> here on betting.betfair.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <h2 class="betting-copy-title" style="border-top-color: rgb(204, 207, 210); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; line-height: 22px; margin: 15px 0px 5px; padding: 7px 0px 0px;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">To Win the Premier League - Betfair Exchange</span></h2> <div class="betting-copy-body"> <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; color: #1e1e1e; line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: 600; outline: none; transition: color 0.2s;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;">Arsenal -</span><span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;"> </span></span><span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="5" oldtitle="11/10" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffb80c; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; outline: none; padding: 3px 2px 1px; transition: color 0.2s;" title="">2.14</span><br /><span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;">Man City - </span></span><span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="6" oldtitle="11/5" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffb80c; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; outline: none; padding: 3px 2px 1px; transition: color 0.2s;" title="">3.20</span><br /><span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;">Leicester - </span></span><span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="7" oldtitle="11/1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffb80c; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; outline: none; padding: 3px 2px 1px; transition: color 0.2s;" title="">12.00</span><br /><span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;">Man Utd - </span></span><span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="8" oldtitle="17/1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffb80c; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; outline: none; padding: 3px 2px 1px; transition: color 0.2s;" title="">18.00</span><br /><span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;">Tottenham - </span></span><span aria-describedby="qtip-9" class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="9" oldtitle="20/1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffb80c; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; outline: none; padding: 3px 2px 1px; transition: color 0.2s;" title="">21.00</span><br /><span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;">BAR - </span></span><span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="10" oldtitle="59/1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffb80c; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; outline: none; padding: 3px 2px 1px; transition: color 0.2s;" title="">60.00</span></span></div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnHZwA8vs1IHidmzDCEkwrfCiu1VLT9l-rFCtjDwp9_LTemvEftsynNsFttyGCTnO0ZWvMttdtvceL98zd2OJnVQHN6n_lx3zWFqXYJnSX-U1AqJL32RI06LNO-iilwvSY3P_LJjNtw/s1600/83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnHZwA8vs1IHidmzDCEkwrfCiu1VLT9l-rFCtjDwp9_LTemvEftsynNsFttyGCTnO0ZWvMttdtvceL98zd2OJnVQHN6n_lx3zWFqXYJnSX-U1AqJL32RI06LNO-iilwvSY3P_LJjNtw/s400/83.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> </div>

Premier League on Betfair: Arsenal title favourites after win over City

Arsenal  are the new favourites to win the Premier League title after they defeated Manchester City 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Monday n...

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Arsenal v Man City: Back a stalemate at the Emirates

 <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Arsenal v Man City</span></span><br />Monday 21 December, 20:00<br />Live on Sky Sports 1</span></span></div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"></span></span><div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arsenal</span></span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With just one defeat in their last ten games in the Premier League, Arsenal are in good shape ahead of the <span style="font-weight: 600;">traditionally busy Christmas period</span>. They currently sit in second, five points behind this season's pace-setters Leicester City, and know that avoiding defeat here against Man City will see them in fine fettle going into the Boxing Day fixtures.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although beset with injuries (as usual), the Gunners have managed to handle things very well - players like Joel Campbell and Mathieu Flamini have stepped into the breach and performed admirably as understudies - and the visit of Manchester City is a test they'll surely relish with a view to trying to lift their first title since 2004.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alexis Sanchez may well be back and give Arsene Wenger a selection headache, but he is likely to start on the bench.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Man City</span></span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sitting one point behind Arsenal, largely due to two poor results against Stoke and Liverpool in their last four games, Manuel Pellegrini's Man City also know they're in spitting distance of the league's summit and will use Arsenal's traditional weakness against the top teams as motivation.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sergio Aguero could come back and replace Wilfried Bony (who has done a decent job deputising), and that will further focus the mind for City; having a world class target and finisher up top will make a world of difference, and the excellent defensive partnership of<span style="font-weight: 600;">Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker </span>will be tested to the limit by both the diminutive Argentinian and the skillful set of attacking midfielders sure to line up behind him.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fernando and Pablo Zabaleta are both out injured.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;">Match Odds</span></span></span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arsenal's excellent form this season means they'll go into the game as favourites, and they currently trade at <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="1" oldtitle="7/5" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.42</span></span> to win on Monday night. <span style="font-weight: 600;">Man City</span> are further out in the betting, at <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="2" oldtitle="11/5" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">3.15</span></span>. The Draw is priced at a favourable <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="3" oldtitle="13/5" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">3.60</span></span>, when one takes into account the fact that a draw suits both parties nicely and how evenly-matched the teams are.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to say, I do like The Draw here for reasons stated above, and I'm surprised to see it priced so generously.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;">Over/Under 2.5 Goals</span></span></span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Somewhat predictably, Over 2.5 Goals is firmly odds-on at <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="4" oldtitle="8/11" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">1.76</span></span> but before you dive in expecting an open, attacking game, Opta tell us that, on average, <span style="font-weight: 600;">this fixture only yields 2.56 goals per game</span> and may not quite be the goal-fest you're expecting.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I've said, a draw suits both parties and both will be wary of losing it. What's more, the teams could simply cancel each other out. Unders at <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="5" oldtitle="5/4" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">2.28</span></span> looks far more appealing to this writer.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;">Correct Score</span></span></span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This market is worth a mention, because as <span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: 600; transition: color 0.2s;">my colleague Alan Thompson says, this could well be a stalemate.</span></span> To that end, 0-0 at <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="6" oldtitle="15/1" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">16.50</span></span>, 1-0 at <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="7" oldtitle="11/1" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">12.00</span></span> and 1-1 at <span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="8" oldtitle="7/1" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); color: #1e1e1e; font-weight: 600; padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">8.20</span></span> all hold appeal if you fancy playing in this market.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommended Bets</span></span></div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"></span></span><div style="line-height: 21px; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"> <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back The Draw at </span></span><span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="9" oldtitle="13/5" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">3.60</span><br /><span style="color: #1e1e1e;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; transition: color 0.2s;">Back Under 2.5 Goals at </span></span><span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="10" oldtitle="5/4" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title="">2.28</span></span></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItS38OeLRnQ360CO7XU3C50tnEtKNNMR-5ONmNtMUb5PBzABSQSjXzoI27Cm4SpkEDW2twXdaHzZFasH7MnmQUGAleopZLAeG0tGPLxXzYHee8RC2zTyVv1Coyn8RpwsOSNshT3zu3A/s1600/83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItS38OeLRnQ360CO7XU3C50tnEtKNNMR-5ONmNtMUb5PBzABSQSjXzoI27Cm4SpkEDW2twXdaHzZFasH7MnmQUGAleopZLAeG0tGPLxXzYHee8RC2zTyVv1Coyn8RpwsOSNshT3zu3A/s400/83.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div> <span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="inline-odds has-qtip" data-hasqtip="10" oldtitle="5/4" style="background: rgb(255, 184, 12); padding: 3px 2px 1px;" title=""><br /></span></span></span></div>

Arsenal v Man City: Back a stalemate at the Emirates

    Arsenal v Man City Monday 21 December, 20:00 Live on Sky Sports 1 Arsenal With just one defeat in their last ten games in the Prem...

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